VR Tech Times

Conceived with no concessions to internal combustion propulsion, ‘born electrics’ were heralded as the future. Manufacturers poured millions into their development, and it is estimated that globally $1.2 trillion was committed to the entire EV ecosystem, $500 billion of which was from automakers. But with global EV sales well below projections, manufacturers are left with hard decisions. The Stellantis group, for instance, confirmed a $26 billion write-off over its EV projects, while Honda said its annual operating loss would be between 270-570 billion yen, due to losses associated with the reassessment of its electrification strategy. Earlier this year, the Japanese carmaker scrapped its much-hyped ‘0 Series’ EV project, though the made-in-India 0 Alpha SUV, which is said to use components from the Elevate, is still on track. Honda has cancelled its 0 Series EV Project altogether The write-offs and cancellations are understandable in the context of born-electrics, as while there have...

The origin of the species. The very beginnings of the automobile. Where it all started. How it all started. What form the earliest cars took. What if you could experience all of this in one place, at the same time? Say hello to UMS Technologies, India’s smallest carmaker. Nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Coimbatore, where the manufacturing of machines is almost a religion, UMS tech not only recreates the past, it does so with exacting precision and a level of dedication that borders on obsession. Walk onto the shop floor, just off main street Coimbatore, and you are greeted by finished versions of three icons – the 1899 Stanley Steamer, the 1896 Ford Quadricycle, and the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen. Each is a faithful replica, crafted with painstaking detail, and together they tell the story of how the automobile was born. It feels like history is coming back to life.  Give me steam  The steam car is the most difficult to steer and can accelerate quickly for a pre...

The Yamaha Aerox-E is the Japanese manufacturer's second electric scooter in India and, unlike the River Indie-based EC-06, is entirely self-developed by Yamaha. It takes the sharp, sporty design of the petrol Aerox 155 as its starting point and adapts it for electric propulsion, with a swingarm-mounted motor and a dual removable battery setup. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about it. What is the price of the Yamaha Aerox-E? The Yamaha Aerox-E is priced at Rs 2.82 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), making it the most expensive Yamaha two-wheeler on sale in India at the moment. The Aerox-E is currently available through Yamaha's Blue Square premium dealerships. What motor and battery does the Yamaha Aerox-E use? The Aerox-E is powered by a swingarm-mounted motor producing 9.4kW of peak power and 48Nm of torque. The battery setup consists of two removable 1.5kWh packs – each weighing 13kg – giving a combined capacity of 3kWh. It is also possible to run the...

The Tayron R Line and Tiguan R Line sit at the top of Volkswagen’s portfolio in India. Both closely priced SUVs utilise the same platform and engine, but while the former is a 7-seater, the latter gets a 5-seat layout. We’ve tested the real-world performance of both models to find out how each performs with an identical engine and gearbox underneath. Volkswagen Tayron R Line vs Tiguan R Line: Specifications Volkswagen Tayron R Line vs Tiguan R Line: Specifications Specifications Tayron R Line Tiguan R Line Engine 4 cyls, turbo-petrol  4 cyls, turbo-petrol Displacement (cc) 1,984 1,984 Power (hp) 204 204 Torque (Nm) 320 320 Drive layout AWD AWD Gearbox 7DCT 7DCT Kerb Weight (kg)  1,864 1,758 Power-to-weight (hp/tonne) 109.44 116.04 Torque-to-weight (Nm/tonne) 171.67 182.02 Powering both the Tayron and Tiguan is Volkswagen’s 2.0L TSI EVO engine, which is a direct-injection turbo-petrol unit. The mill churns out 204hp and 320Nm of torque, with power being sent to all four wheels...

Until recently, if you wanted a sporty 250cc motorcycle with a liquid-cooled engine, the KTM 250 Duke was your only option. However, Hero decided to enter this niche of the market in early 2025 with its Xtreme 250R. Before we begin, you may be wondering why this comparison is being made 18 months after the Xtreme was launched. That’s because Hero has only just now managed to send it out for proper reviews, but we’ll revisit this issue later on. Now, on with the show! Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke design and features The way a bike looks is one of the most compelling reasons to buy it, and in that regard, both the Xtreme and Duke have angular, sporty designs that will stand out, but I prefer the Xtreme’s aesthetic. It is well-proportioned and looks upmarket without trying too hard. The Duke, with its garish headlight, overly long tank shrouds and mishmash of angular surfaces, feels too busy. Duke’s TFT is slick to use, feels nice. However, when it comes to features, the Duke has ...

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is sharpening its focus on premium scooters and mid-capacity motorcycles. The strategy marks a significant evolution for Honda, whose India business has long been anchored by high-volume commuter products such as the Activa scooter and Shine motorcycle. More premium products incoming Localisation will be key to affordability The company says this has been done to retain younger buyers whose purchasing decisions are increasingly driven by design, technology and global products rather than just affordability. "Today's customers, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, expect easy access to information through their smartphones and the internet," HMSI president and CEO Tsutsumu Otani told Autocar Professional in an interview. "Customers today don't just compare models available in India; they also explore products offered in Asia, Europe and the United States," he added. Otani also said that Honda's objective is no longe...